Instrumentation and Controls Technician (Fixed-Term) at VAST · Mojave

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us. Vast is looking for a Instrumentation and Controls Technician (Fixed Term), reporting to the Director, Mojave Test Site, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations and the E-2 LOX/Kerosene oxidizer-rich staged combustion engine. This will be a full-time, 6-month fixed term, non-exempt position located at our Mojave Test Site location. Responsibilities: Build and maintain test facility, including Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE), wire harnesses and instrumentation and control junction boxes. Work alongside engineers to build, test, and maintain electrical systems on rocket engines and rocket engine test stands. Work on test pad to perform cold flows, hot fire testing, and other hazardous operations Troubleshoot, install, and calibrate various instruments, including ultrasonic level transmitters, flow meters, pressure transducers, thermocouple and resistance temperature devices, differential pressure transducers, strain gauges, accelerometers and microphones Utilizes a wide range of test equipment, including PLCs, National Instruments hardware, oscilloscopes, data analyzers, digital multi-meters, and other test equipment, while performing tests to identify problems and to maintain and calibrate equipment to performance standards Fabricate wire harnesses in accordance with IPC 620 standards. Ability to conduct test operations in the field for extended period of time Ability to operate or learn to operate heavy machinery (Forklift, All-terrain Forklift, overhead equipment, etc.) Implement continuous improvements to improve safety and test site productivity. Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalency certificate 3+ years of aerospace or industrial process, instrumentation and controls experience 2+ years of experience using electronics equipment (e.g. programmable power supplies, DMMs, oscilloscopes, etc.) Preferred Skills & Experience: Read & interpret Plumbing and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) Ability to correctly interpret complex electrical schematics Ability to acclimate to frequently changing assignments and a fast-paced working environment Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, along with effective teamwork abilities Qualifications in NASA STD 8739.4, IPC-620, or J-STD-001 Previous experience in aerospace electrical fabrication or maintenance Experience with 4-20mA loop devices Familiarity with Daniels Manufacturing tooling. Additional Requirements: Willingness to work overtime, or weekends to support critical mission milestones Ability to lift up to 25 lbs unassisted Ability to work outside in harsh weather conditions in the Mojave desert with temperatures exceeding 110F. Pay Range: Instrumentation and Controls Technician I : $21.00 - $30.00/hr Instrumentation and Controls Technician II: $29.00 - $41.00/hr Instrumentation and Controls Technician III: $32.00 - $46.00/hr Pay Range: California $21—$46 USD COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-exempt staff with the ability to cash-out unused vacation annually, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees. U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.